Game Details
The No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide (8-2, 5-2 SEC) host the Eastern Illinois Panthers (3-8, 2-5 OVC) in Alabama’s annual FCS cupcake finale on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. ET). This is the second all-time meeting between the programs, with Alabama dominating the 2024 matchup 52-10. The Crimson Tide, fresh off a heartbreaking 23-21 home loss to Oklahoma that dented their SEC title and CFP hopes, use this tune-up to build momentum and rest starters ahead of the Iron Bowl vs. Auburn. Eastern Illinois, out of the Ohio Valley Conference, enters on a three-game skid and seeks a signature upset to cap a forgettable season.
How to Watch: TV Channel and Streaming Options
• TV Channel: SEC Network+ (linear availability via select providers; check local listings).
• Streaming Options: ESPN app (with cable login), ESPN+ (subscription required for SEC Network+ streams), Fubo, or YouTube TV. International viewers can access via ESPN’s global platforms.
• Radio Broadcast: Alabama Tide Sports Network (local affiliates; SiriusXM channel 190). Eastern Illinois Panther Sports Network (local affiliates; streaming on GoEIPanthers.com).
• Announcers: Not yet confirmed; expected to be a regional SEC Network+ crew (e.g., Wes Durham play-by-play, Tim Hasselbeck color).
Tickets start as low as $12 on secondary markets like StubHub or SeatGeek.
Full Game Preview
Team Overviews
Alabama Crimson Tide: Kalen DeBoer’s squad sits at 8-2 after a shocking Week 12 upset loss to Oklahoma, dropping them from SEC frontrunners to bubble status for the conference title game and CFP (needing help from chaos in the final weeks). Offensively, Alabama ranks 12th nationally in total yards (465.8 per game) and 8th in scoring (38.2 points), driven by QB Ty Simpson’s arm (2,800 passing yards, 22 TDs, 4 INTs) and a explosive backfield led by RB Jam Miller (1,100 rushing yards, 14 TDs). The O-line protects well (sacked just 15 times), but red-zone efficiency dipped post-loss. Defensively, the Tide are top-20, allowing 295.4 yards (18th in FBS) and 16.5 points (12th), with a secondary forcing 16 turnovers. This “breather” game allows backups to shine and injuries to heal before Auburn; a blowout win restores confidence.
Eastern Illinois Panthers: In a rebuilding year under head coach Chris Wilkerson, the Panthers limp to 3-8 with losses in five of their last six, including a 35-14 defeat to Tennessee Tech. Offensively, EIU averages 312.6 yards (bottom-50 in FCS) and 22.1 points, relying on QB Stone Vendrell’s mobility (800 rushing yards, 8 TDs) and a spread attack that’s turnover-prone (15 given up). The run game sputters (3.8 YPC), and protection issues abound. Defensively, they’re middling at best, surrendering 410+ yards and 32.8 points per game (FCS bottom-third), vulnerable to big plays—especially the pass (280+ yards allowed/game). Bowl ineligible and unranked, this road trip to Tuscaloosa is about experience for young players, not expectations.
Key Matchups
• Alabama Offense vs. EIU Defense: Simpson could feast on Eastern Illinois’ porous secondary (allowing 65% completion), potentially throwing for 300+ yards if starters play a half. Miller’s speed (5.5 YPC) exploits a run D that’s gashed for 180+ yards/game. Alabama averages 22.7 more points than EIU allows.
• EIU Offense vs. Alabama Defense: Vendrell’s legs face the Tide’s elite front seven (top-10 rush D, under 90 yards allowed), while Alabama’s DBs (10 INTs) hunt for picks in EIU’s shaky passing game. Expect quick three-and-outs and negative plays.
• Special Teams and Depth: Alabama’s return units are dynamic, but EIU’s punter (42.5-yard average) could flip field if given chances. Turnovers loom—EIU’s 1.2 forced per game vs. Alabama’s ball security (top-20 fewest giveaways).
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